Wear a helmet and do up the straps

One of the things I have noticed during the COVID-19 pandemic is that there have been more people out biking and scootering. But with an increase in people there is also an increase in people not wearing helmets or not wearing them properly. Unfortunately, the natural consequences on this one can be devastating.

Troy (2022) found that rates of helmet use dropped for a number of activities where helmets are recommended including cycling, horseback riding, ATV, skateboarding, and others. Consequently, the number of head injuries increased, as did the number of required neurological consults. Specifically, this study was looking at kids 0-18.

I worry that this trend will continue. The number of people I see without helmets on, or without their helmets done up is still really high. I know people think that it won’t happen to them. They have the skills. They are only going a short way. Any number of excuses.

I want to see all these people out and active. And I want to see people trading car trips for other modes of transportation. But I don’t want to do more first aid than I already do on people who didn’t thought it would happen to them.